GOSSAMER AND SILK 141 



It has never been quite satisfactorily explained why the 

 spiders develop this seasonal activity. No doubt the mists 

 that settle down over the surface of the country bring with 

 them little insects of many sorts, and it is probable that the 

 gossamer spiders skim low for the same reasons as the 

 swallows. The birds and the arachnids share successively 

 in the same chase. As the one departs the other takes up the 

 hunt. No doubt too many of the spiders are young, perhaps 

 three months old, and have just reached their full capacity 

 to make these kite tails just as the young swallows have 

 learnt the proper art of using their wings. The spinning 

 and the ' remigium alarum ' in both arts need some age and 

 some skill. But not all the spiders are young, and food is 

 not found near the ground only in autumn. 



The phenomenon of the gossamer flight may be seen in 

 town as well as country. Minute black spiders, one of a 

 number of varieties that play this part, have been seen 

 climbing the railings in London parks. Once at the top 

 they stand in such position that the spun web flies out most 

 suitably down wind. As soon as enough is paid out the 

 spider takes the leap and sails away like a kite to lands 

 unknown. 



In the country people have tried many times to trace the 

 first flight from a hedge or tree, but with little success. Often 

 the flyer starts from no better vantage-point than the top 

 of a tall grass, and one would infer that this is the rule. 

 Iron railings are perhaps more tempting than a hedgerow. 



However, in general the spider's use of height or depth is 

 one of the most effective promptings of its instinct. If it is 

 desired to bridge a wide and deep gulf, the spider will tumble 

 down from her height to the lowest possible point, spinning 

 as she falls two threads, one stout, one light. The lighter is 

 loosed ; and if it catches a lucky breath is lifted across to the 



